Scan pattern generators for bar code symbol readers

ABSTRACT

A scan pattern generator for use in a bar code reader which uses a single drive (one coil and one magnet) to produce movement of a reflective surface so as to produce an oscillating movement of the surface in two directions, thereby forming a raster-type scanning pattern when a light beam is reflected off the surface.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 520,464 filed May 8, 1990 nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,168,149, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.428,770, filed Oct. 30, 1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,149.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a scanning arrangement in a scanneroperative for repetitively scanning indicia having parts of differentlight reflectivity, for example, bar code symbols, and, moreparticularly, to operating such a scanning arrangement at high speeds insingle or multi-axis scan patterns.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various optical readers and optical scanners have been developedheretofore to optically read bar code symbols applied to objects inorder to identify the object by optically reading the symbol thereon.The bar code symbol itself is a coded pattern comprised of a series ofbars of various widths and spaced apart from one another to bound spacesof various widths, the bars and spaces having different light reflectingproperties. The readers and scanners electro-optically decoded the codedpatterns to multiple digit representations descriptive of the objects.Scanners of this general type have been disclosed, for example, in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,251,798; 4,360,798; 4,369,361; 4,387,297; 4,593,186;4,496,831; 4,409,470; 4,808,804; 4,816,661; 4,816,660; and 4,871,904,all of said patents having been assigned to the same assignee as theinstant invention and being hereby incorporated herein by reference.

As disclosed in the above-identified patents and applications, aparticularly advantageous embodiment of such a scanner resided, interalia, in emitting a light beam, preferably a laser beam, emitted from alight source, preferably a gas laser or a laser diode, and in directingthe laser beam to a symbol to be read. En route to the symbol, the laserbeam was directed to, and reflected off, a light reflector of a scanningcomponent. The scanning component moved the reflector in a cyclicalfashion and caused the laser beam to repetitively scan the symbol. Thesymbol reflected the laser beam incident thereon. A portion of theincident light reflected off the symbol was collected and detected by adetector component, e.g. a photodiode, of the scanner. The photodiodehad a field of view, and the detected light over the field of view wasdecoded by electrical decode circuitry into data descriptive of thesymbol for subsequent processing. The cyclically movable reflector sweptthe laser beam across the symbol and/or swept the field of view duringscanning.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,387,297 and 4,496,831 disclose a high-speed scanningcomponent including an electric motor operative for reciprocatinglyoscillating a reflector in opposite circumferential directions relativeto an output shaft of the motor. Electrical power is continuouslyapplied to the motor during scanning. The light beam which impinges onthe light reflector is rapidly swept across a symbol to be scanned in apredetermined cyclical manner. The scanning component comprises at leastone scan means for sweeping the symbol along a predetermined direction(X-axis) lengthwise thereof. The scanning component may also compriseanother scan means for sweeping the symbol along a transverse direction(Y-axis) which is substantially orthogonal to the predetermineddirection, to thereby generate a raster-type scan pattern over thesymbol. In addition to a single scan line and the raster-type pattern,other types of scan patterns are also possible, such as, x-shaped,Lissajous, curvilinear (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,904), etc. For example,if the X and Y axis scanning motors are both driven such that the lightreflectors are driven at a sinusoidally-varying rate of speed, then thescan pattern at the reference plane will be a Lissajous-type pattern foromni-directional scanning of the symbols. The use of two separatescanning motors and control means to produce the multi-axis andomni-directional scanning pattern increases material and labor costs aswell as the amount of electrical power needed to operate the scanner. Inaddition, the relatively complicated motor shaft and bearingarrangements of the scanning components may result in a useful life thatis inadequate for some applications. Furthermore, the scanningcomponents disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,387,297 and 4,496,831 aredesigned for miniature light reflectors and are not well suited forlarge scale reflectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. Objects of the Invention

It is a general object of this invention to advance the state of the artof scanners for reading indicia of different light reflectivity,particularly laser scanners for reading bar code symbols.

An additional object of this invention is to provide novel high-speedscanning elements and novel scanning methods of operation.

Yet another object of this invention is to conveniently generate singleline, multi-line or omni-directional scan patterns with the samescanning elements.

A further object of this invention is to provide a scanning arrangementhaving an increased scan line amplitude.

It is another object of this invention to minimize the number ofelements comprising the scanning component.

Another object of this invention is to increase the working lifetime ofthe scanning components.

2. Features of the Invention

In keeping with these objects, and others which will become apparenthereinafter, this invention resides, briefly stated, in an arrangementfor, and a method of, scanning indicia having parts of different lightreflectivity by directing light toward the indicia and by collectingreflected light returning from the indicia. This invention comprises ascanner component supported by holder means for angular oscillatingmovement in a single scan direction between a pair of scan end positionsor alternatively, in first and second scan directions between first andsecond pairs of scan end positions. According to this invention,read-start means are provided for moving the component between the scanend positions.

In one feature, the component is simultaneously angularly oscillatedbetween the first and second pair of scan end positions for directinglight along the first and second scan directions to thereby effect amulti-directional scan pattern over the indicia.

In one embodiment, the holder means is a planar leaf spring havingopposite ends anchored and the scanner component mounted on a bentcentral portion of the spring. The read start means is comprised of apermanent magnet mounted to the holder and an electromagnetic coil fordisplacing the magnet in response to a driving signal. By energizing thenearby coil, the magnet and, in turn, the scanner component areoscillated, preferably at the resonant frequency of the component/magnetassembly.

In another embodiment, the holder means is a tuning fork having apermanent magnet fixedly mounted on one arm of the fork and the scannercomponent fixedly mounted on the other arm. The read-start means iscomprised of an electromagnetic coil for displacing the magnet and, inturn, for oscillating the scanner component in a scan which extends inthe first direction over the indicia. The stem of the fork may also beoscillated by a second read-start means comprised of a stepper motor toscan the indicia in the second direction generally perpendicular to thefirst direction to effect two-dimensional scanning.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a two-dimensional scanpattern over the indicia is advantageously effected by a holder meansthat is constructed for mounting the component for angular oscillatingmovement along first and second axes in response to a single read-startmeans.

In one embodiment, the first and second vibratory means are mounted inorthogonal planes relative to each other and cooperate for angularoscillatory movement of the component about the first and second axes.The first vibratory means is constructed to vibrate at a high range offrequencies and the second vibratory means is constructed to vibrate ata low range of frequencies in response to a driving signal. The drivingsignal is comprised of a superposition of a first A.C. signal within thehigh frequency range and a second A.C. signal within the low frequencyrange to thereby effect a two-axis raster-type scan pattern. In thisembodiment, the first vibratory means is a generally U-shaped leafspring having a permanent magnet mounted on one arm and the scannercomponent mounted on the other arm, and the second vibratory means is agenerally planar leaf spring having one end secured to the arm of theU-shaped spring having the magnet and the other end secured to a baseforming a vibration pivot line. The superimposed driving signal issupplied to an electromagnetic coil for displacing the magnet and, inturn, for oscillating the scanner component in two orthogonal scandirections over the indicia to form the raster pattern. In analternative embodiment, the second vibratory means includes a generallyS-shaped leaf spring secured to the planar leaf spring.

In another embodiment of a two-axis raster-type scan arrangement, theholder means includes a generally planar leaf spring having one endsecured to a base to form a vibration pivot line and the componentmounted on the free end of the spring. The center of mass of thecomponent is offset from the axis formed by an electromagnetic coil anda magnet mounted to the leaf spring. The offset center of mass of thecomponent provides a restoring force to torsionally vibrate the planarspring along the first scan direction at a high range of frequencies andthe leaf spring vibrates about the pivot line along the second scandirection at a low range of frequencies to effect the raster-type scanpattern over the indicia in response to a superimposed high and lowfrequency driving signal.

In another feature of the invention, an omni-directional scan patternover the indicia is provided. First and second vibratory means arearranged such that in response to a superposition of driving signalshaving a frequency ratio relative to each other of 5:1 or less, aLissajous scan pattern is effected. The first vibratory means is agenerally U-shaped leaf spring in which one arm is mounted to thecomponent and the other arm is mounted to the second vibratory meanswhich includes a generally planar leaf spring secured to the baseforming a pivot line. The leaf spring includes a permanent magnetmounted on one side that cooperates with an electromagnetic coil.Mounted on the other side of the leaf spring is the U-shaped spring withthe component. The direction of vibration of the leaf spring about thepivot line and the direction of vibration of the U-shaped spring are thesame. In this embodiment, the weight of the U-shaped spring andcomponent results in a torsional vibration of the planar spring foroscillating the component along one scan direction and the vibration ofthe leaf spring about the pivot point results in the component beingoscillated along a second scan direction. The simultaneous vibration inthe two axes generated by the 5 to 1 or less frequency superimposeddriving signal provides the Lissajous scan pattern.

In an improved construction of the U-shaped spring comprising the holdermeans in the various embodiments described above, the angular amplitudeof the scan line produced by the U-shaped spring is increased byproviding the spring with asymmetrically dimensioned arms. Theasymmetrically dimensioned construction may be implemented to increasethe angular amplitude in either a one or two axis scan arrangement.

In a further feature of the present invention, various improvements inthe means for providing the necessary restoring force to repeatablyoscillate the compound between scan end positions is provided.

In one embodiment, the read-start means includes a magnetic return meansthat provides a spring-like restoring force for oscillating thecomponent between scan end positions. The magnetic return means includesa stationary permeable magnetic core positioned adjacent a movablepermanent magnet at an equilibrium position. The magnet is operativelyconnected to the component for moving the component between scan endpositions. The permanent magnet is alternately attracted to and repelledfrom an electromagnetic coil when the coil is energized by analternating current driving signal. During actuation of the coil, themagnet passes back and forth over the core which alternately magnetizesthe core with a polarity opposite to the side of the magnet facing thecore thereby creating a magnetic restoring force causing the magnet toreturn to the equilibrium position over the center of the core. In afurther embodiment, a second electromagnetic coil may be provided inoperative arrangement with the core to strengthen the magnetic field ofthe core. Alternatively, the core may be formed of a permanent magnetmaterial.

In another feature of the invention, the restoring means may be in theform of an elastic member, such as a room temperature vulcanizer,attached to the component that acts like a spring to restore thecomponent to the rest position.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theinvention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method ofoperation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, willbe best understood from the following description of specificembodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of hand-held head employed in ascanner;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a scanningarrangement according to this invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of a scanning arrangementaccording to this invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a scanningarrangement according to this invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the scanningarrangement according to this invention;

FIGS. 6a and 6b are side and front views of an additional embodiment ofthe scanning arrangement according to this invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a scanningarrangement according to this invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the scanningarrangement according to this invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the scanningarrangement according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, as shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 10generally identifies a hand-held, gun-shaped scanner head having abarrel 12 and a handle 14. The head need not be gun-shaped as anysuitable configuration may be used, such as box-like. Amanually-operable trigger 16 is situated below the barrel 12 on anupper, forwardly-facing part of the handle 14. As known from theabove-identified patents and applications incorporated by referenceherein, a light source component, typically, but not necessarily, alaser, is mounted inside the head 10. The light source emits a lightbeam along a transmission path which extends outwardly through a window18 that faces indicia, e.g. bar code symbols, to be read. Also mountedwithin the head is a photodetector component, e.g. a photodiode, havinga field of view, and operative for collecting reflected light returningthrough the window 18 along a return path from the symbol.

A scanner component is mounted within the head 10, and is operative forscanning the symbol and/or the field of view of the photodetector. Thescanner component includes at least one light reflector positioned inthe transmission path and/or the return path. The reflector is driven byan electrically-operated drive to oscillate in alternate circumferentialdirections, preferably at the resonant frequency of the scannercomponent.

The photodetector generates an electrical analog signal indicative ofthe variable intensity of the reflected light. This analog signal isconverted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital convertercircuit. This digital signal is conducted, according to one embodiment,along an electrical cable 20 to a decode module 22 located exteriorly ofthe head 10. The decode module 22 decodes the digital signal into datadescriptive of the symbol. An external host device 24, usually acomputer, serves mainly as a data storage in which the data generated bythe decode module 22 is stored for subsequent processing.

In operation, each time a user wishes to have a symbol read, the useraims the head at the symbol and pulls the trigger 16 to initiate readingof the symbol. The trigger 16 is an electrical switch that actuates thedrive means. The symbol is repetitively scanned a plurality of times persecond, e.g. 40 times per second. As soon as the symbol has beensuccessfully decoded and read, the scanning action is automaticallyterminated, thereby enabling the scanner to be directed to the nextsymbol to be read in its respective turn.

In addition, the head need not be a portable hand held type as fixedlymounted heads are also contemplated in this invention. Furthermore, theheads may have manually operated triggers or may be continuouslyoperated by direct connection to an electrical source.

The oscillations need only last a second or so, since the multipleoscillations, rather than time, increase the probability of getting asuccessful decode for a symbol, even a poorly printed one. Theresonating reflector has a predetermined, predictable, known, generallyuniform, angular speed for increased system reliability.

As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment 30 of a high speed scanningarrangement of the present invention, includes a flexible beam, e.g. agenerally planar leaf spring 34. Leaf spring 34 has one end 36 fixedlymounted to an upright of an L-shaped bracket 38 which is anchored to abase support 40. Spring 34 has an opposite end 42 fixedly mounted to anupright of another L-shaped bracket 44 which is anchored to the basesupport 40. The uprights are oriented at 90° relative to each other. Acentral portion of the spring 34 is guided around a cylindrical clampingpin 46. The central portion of the spring 34 is clamped between theclamping pin 46 and a bearing surface of a V-block 48 by means of a setscrew 50. The clamping pin 46 imparts a 90° bend to the leaf spring atthe central portion.

A scanner component, e.g. a light reflector 52, is fixedly mounted to arear support 54 which, in turn, is fixedly secured to the V-block. Therear support 54 has a permanent magnet 56 mounted at one of its ends. Anelectromagnetic coil 58 is mounted adjacent the magnet 56 on an uprightof another L-shaped bracket 60 which, in turn, is mounted on the basesupport 40. The coil 58 has a central passage 62 through which themagnet enters with clearance each time a momentary, periodic energizingpulse is applied to input leads 64. The frequency of the energizingpulse is preferably selected at the resonant frequency of ##EQU1## wherek equals the spring constant of leaf spring 34, and where I equals themoment of inertia of the magnet/reflector assembly suspended from theleaf spring. The assembly is oscillated about the axis 66. The spring isadvantageously constituted of plastic or metal material. Non-metalmaterials would be more rugged.

In operation, each time the energizing pulse is applied to the coil 58,the magnet 56 is drawn into the passage 62, thereby pulling thereflector 52, the rear support 54, the V-block 48, the clamping pin 46,the set screw 50 therealong. At the same time, the leaf spring is bent.In the illustrated rest position, each arm of the leaf spring isgenerally planar. Upon being displaced, each arm of the leaf spring isbent, thereby storing energy therein. An L-shaped stop 68 mounted on thebase support 40 is located behind the clamping pin 46 to preventmovement of the same past the stop. The pin 46 does not normally engagethe stop; it is intended as a safety feature in the event that thearrangement is subjected to external shock forces. The flexible supportnear the center of rotation of the component provides an excellent shockabsorber.

Once bent, the leaf spring 34 releases its stored energy, therebydisplacing the magnet/reflector assembly back to and past the restposition. The entire assembly oscillates in a damped manner, untileventually coming to a halt in the rest position. Each arm of the leafspring alternately assumes a concave and then a convex shape during suchoscillation. Light directed from a source, e.g. a laser 70, onto thereflector 52 is swept in one direction in a scan across indicia to beread. Another embodiment of the same configuration utilizes constantamplitude excitation, with continuous oscillation. In this embodiment,the driving signal is a continuously applied AC signal that causes themagnet 56 to be cyclically drawn into the passage 62 and forced out ofthe passage 62. The spring 34 vibrates to oscillate the reflector 40between scan end position.

By providing a well defined center of rotation at axis 66 that is closeto the scan component, image translation is minimized. In addition, inthis configuration the scan pattern stays centered regardless of thescan position.

In still another variant, the holder means is a tuning fork which, asshown in FIG. 3, comprises a stem 72 and a pair of arms 74, 76. Apermanent magnet 78 is fixedly mounted on arm 74. A scanner component,e.g. a light reflector 80, is fixedly mounted on arm 76. The stem 72rests on, and extends through, a base support 82 of an L-shaped framewhich has an upright support 84 on which an electromagnetic coil 86 ismounted. A fastener 88 secures the stem 72 in an upright orientation tothe frame for joint movement therewith. Electrical input leads 90 supplyenergizing signals to the coil 86.

In operational embodiment, whenever an energizing pulse is supplied tocoil 86, the coil draws the magnet 78 into a passage 92 with clearance.When the pulse ends, the tuning fork is caused to vibrate, preferably atthe resonance frequency which, as described above, is a function of themoment of inertia of the vibrating mass. The reflector 80 oscillatesbetween the scan end positions A and B. When light emitted from asource, e.g. laser 92, is directed at the reflector 80, a scan line (A₁-B₁) is formed which extends in one direction. In a second operationalembodiment, an AC signal is continuously applied to the coil 86 tocyclically vibrate the arms 74 and 76 to oscillate the reflector 80between scan end positions. Preferably, the AC signal is tuned tovibrate the fork at the resonance frequency.

In an improved construction, the fork/frame assembly is mounted on anoutput shaft 94 of a motor 96 of the type described and claimed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,496,831, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference. Motor 96 is a torque motor operative for displacing outputshaft 94 in an amount proportional to the electrical current suppliedthereto. Motor 96 repetitively oscillates the output shaft 94 inalternate directions as indicated by the double-headed arrow 98. Theoutput shaft 94 is coupled to the fork stem 72 by a coupler 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the opposite end of the output shaft 94 isrestrained by a centering torsion spring 102. As the output shaft 94 isoscillated, the centering torsion spring 102 operates to return theoutput shaft 94 to the rest position. A scan line (C-D) is formed whichextends in a direction perpendicular to said one direction.

Another embodiment of a two axis scan pattern arrangement is shown inFIG. 4, in which the holder means includes a U-shaped spring means 110having a pair of arms 112 and 114. A scanning component, e.g. a lightreflector or mirror 116 is fixedly mounted on arm 112 and a permanentmagnet 118 is mounted on arm 114. An electromagnetic coil 120 is fixedlymounted to an upright support 122 that is secured to a base 124.Electrical input leads 126 supply the energizing signal to the coil 120.The arm 114 and magnet 118 are secured to a generally planar springmeans 128 that is mounted to the base 124. The planar spring 128 may bemade of any suitable flexible material, such as, a leaf spring, aflexible metal foil, a flat bar or a Bendix flex-pivot-type spring. Themirror mass, which is equal to the magnet mass, can be in certain casesmuch higher than the equivalent mass of the U-shaped spring.

In certain applications, it is desirable to scan indicia with araster-type scan pattern. In a raster-type scan pattern, a series ofsubstantially horizontal and substantially parallel scan lines areproduced from an upper horizontal scan line, proceeding downward with amultiplicity of intermediate horizontal scan lines, to a lowerhorizontal scan line in order to uniformly cover the desired scan area.In order to obtain a raster-type scan pattern, the U-shaped spring 110and the planar spring 128 are arranged to vibrate in planes orthogonalto each other. As shown in FIG. 4, the arms of the U-shaped spring willvibrate in the x-z plane and the planar spring 128 will vibrate in thex-y plane. By this arrangement of the holder means, the component 116 ismounted for angular oscillating movement, in first and second alternatecircumferential directions, between first and second pairs of scan endpositions. In addition, due to their respective shapes and positioning,the U-shaped spring 110 will vibrate at a high range of frequencies,typically about 200-800 Hz, while the planar spring 128 will vibrate ata low range of frequencies, typically about 5-100 Hz. The amplitude ofvibration necessary to scan the symbol will depend on the size of thesymbol and will typically be at least 10°-30° optical.

A raster-type scan pattern is automatically obtained by driving the coil120 with a signal that is a superposition of two driving signals, onebeing within the high frequency range and the other being within the lowfrequency range. For example, a 500 Hz square wave signal may beutilized to oscillate component 116 in the x direction and a 10 Hz sinewave signal may be utilized to oscillate to component 116 in the ydirection. The combination of the fast oscillations of the component inthe x direction and the slow oscillations of the component in the ydirection results in a raster-type scan pattern over the indicia.Preferably, the high frequency signal is frequency tuned to the resonantfrequency of the U-shaped spring 110. Typically, the planar spring 128will be driven below its resonant frequency.

In this arrangement, whenever the superimposed AC driving signal issupplied to coil 120, the coil cyclically draws the magnet 118 into apassage 130 and propels the magnet 118 out of the passage 130. The highfrequency component of the driving signal causes the U-shaped spring tovibrate, preferably at the resonant frequency, causing the component 116to be angularly oscillated between scan end positions X1, X2. The lowfrequency component of the driving signal causes the planar spring 128to angularly vibrate towards and away from the support 122 about pivotline 123. During this low frequency vibration, the spring 128 and thefork 110 move as a unit. The vibration of planar spring 128 imparts anangular oscillating movement to the component 116 between scan endpositions Y1, Y2. When light emitted from laser 132 is directed atreflector 116 while the U-shaped spring 110 and the planar spring 128are vibrating simultaneously at the high and low frequencies,respectively, a series of substantially horizontal scan lines 111 in thex direction are produced that are displaced in the y direction therebyforming a raster-type scan pattern.

The arrangement of FIG. 4 is advantageously provided of a very simpleconstruction which utilizes only one driver (one coil and one magnet)for oscillating movement in two directions to form a raster-type scanpattern. There are no shafts or bearings but only flexible metals areused which result in much longer life.

In certain applications, it is desirable to increase the angularamplitude by the scan line produced by the holder. Such an increase inangular amplitude may be attained by constructing the U-shaped spring110 with asymmetrically dimensioned arms. In this embodiment, arm 112 isshorter than arm 114 by ratio of at least 2:1. An asymmetricallydimensioned U-shaped spring will result in a longer x direction scanline in the raster-type pattern.

An example of asymmetrically dimensioned U-shaped spring is shown inFIG. 5 in which the tuning fork 121 is constructed having a smalldimensioned arm 123 and a large dimensioned arm 125 which results in thenodal point 127 of the spring being positioned on arm 125 rather than atthe bottom of the U as with a symmetrically dimensioned spring. As shownin FIG. 5, the component 129 is mounted to arm 123 and the actuatorcomprises an electromagnetic coil 131 having a passage 133 through whichmagnet 135 passes with clearance. The U-shaped spring 121 is secured toa support 137 by a planar spring 139. The spring 139 is secured to basesection 141 and the coil 131 is mounted to wall section 143. Leads 145are provided to apply the driving signal to the coil 131 to effectangular movement of the component 129. The asymmetrically dimensionedU-shaped spring 121 provides an increased angular amplitude of the scanresulting from light directed from a laser 147 and reflected fromcomponent 129.

In addition to increasing the angular amplitude, which can be as much asa 100% increase over a symmetrically dimensioned spring, theasymmetrically dimensioned U-shaped spring provides a higher durabilityagainst metal fatigue and cracking since the nodal point is not at acurved portion of the spring. Also shown in FIG. 5, is a section 149 ofspring 139 that is substantially parallel to wall 143 and section 151angled away from wall 143 while at rest. The angled section 151 resultsin a further increase in the angular amplitude of scan oscillations (asmuch as 200% higher) over a symmetrically dimensioned U-shaped spring.Another benefit is less vibration being transferred to the base sincethe U-shaped spring is held only at the magnet end and angular movementof the magnet can be four times lower than that of the scanningcomponent.

The arrangement of FIG. 5 is an elevated view showing the U-shapedspring 121 and the planar spring 139 both positioned for vibration inthe x-y plane resulting in a single scan line directed along the ydirection. If the U-shaped and planar springs are positioned inorthogonal planes as in FIG. 4, and an appropriate superimposed high andlow frequency driving signal is applied to the coil, a raster-type scanpattern will be provided with an increased x direction angularamplitude.

Referring back to FIG. 4, in an alternative embodiment, the y directionscan vibratory means may also include a generally S shaped planar leafspring 134 having one arm 136 secured to planar spring 128 and anotherarm 138 to which is mounted a balance mass 140. An additional generallyupright planar spring 142 secures an intermediate portion of the planarspring 134 to the base 124. The S-shaped spring is useful to provideadditional support that may be necessary for very large area reflectors.

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, a single planar spring150 provides the oscillatory movement in two orthogonal axes for araster-type scan pattern. The spring 150 is mounted to base 152 and hasmounted on it the light reflector 154. A magnet 156 is mounted to thespring 150 on the opposite side as that of the reflector 154. Anelectromagnetic coil 158 having a passage 160 is mounted adjacent thepermanent magnet 156 on an upright bracket member 162 that is in turnmounted to base 152. As shown in FIG. 6b, an axis 164 is formed by themagnet 156 and coil 158 which runs through the center of spring 150. Thelight reflector 154 is mounted to the planar spring 150 with its centerof gravity 166 offset from axis 164.

The raster-type scan pattern is effected by applying a superimposed highand low frequency AC signal to leads 168. In response to the lowfrequency component (about 20-30 Hz) of the superimposed driving signal,the magnet 156 enters and exits the passage 160 in a cyclical mannerwhich causes the spring 150 to angularly vibrate about pivot line 151.The vibration causes the component 154 to angularly oscillate in the x-yplane which results in a slow y direction scan. In response to themedium-high frequency component (about 50-200 Hz) of the superimposed ACdriving signal, the spring 150 is torsionally bent about its axis 164due to the alignment of the center of gravity of the reflector 154. Theoffset center of gravity of reflector 154 acts to provide a restoringforce to the spring 150 causing torsional vibration of spring 150. Thespring 150 is constructed such that when the coil is energized, thecomponent 154 will oscillate angularly at the higher frequency in thex-z plane to provide a fast x directed scan. When light emitted fromlaser 170 is reflected off of the mirror 154, while the coil 158 isenergized, the indicia is scanned in a two axis raster-type scanpattern, consisting of a series of x directed scan lines 153 verticallyspaced in the y direction.

The difference in the high and low frequency component of the drivingsignal produces a large x-directed angular amplitude and a smally-directed angular amplitude resulting in a raster-type scan patternbeing developed. The angular amplitude of the x direction scan may be ashigh as about 90° optical while the angular amplitude of the y directionscan may be up to about 5° optical.

In certain applications, it may be desirable to scan a symbol with anomnidirectional scan pattern. One technique for obtaining anomnidirectional pattern is to position the arrangement of FIG. 5 suchthat the U-shaped spring vibrates in the x-z plane. Hence, by viewingFIG. 5 as the top view of the arrangement, it can be seen that thematerial mass of the elements on the right hand side of spring 139(spring 121 and component 129) is substantially greater than the mass ofthe elements on the left hand side of spring 139 (magnet 131). Thisdifference in mass provides a weight imbalance that results in atorsional bending of the spring 139 that imparts an angular oscillatorymovement of the component 129 in the x-y plane for effecting a ydirection scan. In addition, the movement of the spring 139 towards thecoil 131 and away from the coil 131 causes the U-shaped spring 121 tovibrate in the x-z plane which imparts an angular oscillatory movementto the component 129 for effecting an x direction scan.

Upon the application the superimposed driving signal, preferablycomprised of a pair of sine waves having a frequency ratio in the rangeof 1.05:1 to 5:1, to leads 145, spring 139 torsionally vibrates at thelower frequency and the U-shaped spring 121 simultaneously vibrates atthe higher frequency in such a manner that light will be reflected fromthe component 129 in a Lissajous scan pattern over the indicia. TheLissajous pattern is provided by the path of the light beam beingoscillated in the x and y orthogonal directions in simple harmonicmotions at a predetermined ratio of frequencies. Thus, anomnidirectional scan pattern is produced.

FIG. 7 shows another technique for producing an omnidirectional scanpattern namely, rotating the entire holder means about an axis. Thearrangement shown in FIG. 7 is similar to that of FIG. 5 and likereference numerals are used to identify like parts and a descriptionthereof is not repeated here for the sake of brevity. In order to rotatethe entire scanning arrangement, means 180 is provided to rotate thearrangement about an axis 182. The means 180 shown in FIG. 7 isillustrative only as any suitable means for rotating the scanningarrangement about an axis may be employed to effect an omnidirectionalscan pattern. The means 180 includes a motor 182 having a shaft 184 fordriving a transmission belt 186. Belt 186 is coupled to a shaft (notshown) connected to the support 137 for rotating the support 137 aboutball bearing 188 which is attached to support beam 190. The rotation ofa single axis direction scan arrangement will produce an omnidirectionalscan pattern in the form of a Rosette. The rotation of a two-axis scanarrangement will produce various other omnidirectional patternsdepending on the type of two-axis arrangement rotated.

In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 8, amagnetically activated return means is provided for effecting a springlike restoring force to oscillate the component between scan endpositions. As shown in FIG. 9, a scanning component 220 is mounted forrotational movement about shaft 222 which is rotationally secured tobase 224. A support bracket or lever 226 extends from the component 220and has mounted on the end thereof a permanent magnet 228. Anelectromagnetic coil 230 is mounted to the base 224 in operationalproximity to the permanent magnet 228. A magnetic member 232 is mountedimmediately below the permanent magnet 228 on a pem-nut 234. Thepermanent magnet 228 is a disk or rectangular shaped member in whichfaces 236 and 238 (not shown) are magnetized to be of opposite magneticpoles. Thus, face 236 may be the north pole and face 238 may be thesouth pole, or vice versa.

In one embodiment, the magnetic member 232 is made magnetic permeablematerial such as a soft iron core. The coil 230 is energized by an ACvoltage and the alternating positive and negative current will cause thepermanent magnet to alternately be attracted to the coil and repelledfrom the coil. This will impart an oscillatory angular movement to thescanning mirror 220 between scan end positions. During the oscillatorymovement of the component, the permanent magnet 228 will pass over thesoft iron core 232 in a back and forth motion. When the coil 230 isde-energized, the magnetic interaction between the magnetic fields ofthe permanent magnet 228 and soft iron core 232 forces the magnet 228and, accordingly, the entire moving assembly to align itself with a lineof a magnetic equilibrium of the soft core 232, which crosses itscenter. When the coil 230 is energized, depending on the phase of the ACcurrent, the permanent magnet 228 is either attracted to or repelledfrom the coil 230 thus magnetizing the core 232 with the polarityopposite to the polarity of the side of the permanent magnet 228 facingthe core 232. Since two unlike poles are attracted to each other, thisattraction creates a restoring force equivalent to a spring action tocause the component to move towards the equilibrium position. Extremeleft and extreme right scan end positions are determined by therelationship between magnitude and phase of the AC current through thecoil 230 and the geometry and material of the core 232 which, in turn,determine the value of the restoring torque. When the coil 230 isde-energized, the above described mechanism causes the moving assemblyto come to a halt in the rest ("equilibrium") position.

In one alternative of this embodiment, a second electromagnetic coil(not shown) may be provided around core 232 such that member 232 willform the core of the second coil. A DC current energizing the secondcoil will increase the restoring force of the soft iron core. In afurther alternative embodiment, member 232 may be a permanent magnet. Ifthe magnet 228 is mounted with its north pole facing away from the coil,magnet 232 would need to have its south pole facing upward. Magnet 232must be oppositely arranged if the south pole of magnet 228 is facingaway from the coil.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, in which like parts have likereference numerals of FIG. 8, a restoring force is provided by anelastic member 240. The elastic member 240, may be any suitable materialhaving elastic properties such as rubber, a room temperature vulcanizer(RTV), or any similar plastic. The elastic member 240 is secured to thecomponent 220 by bracket 242, and is also secured to the support 224 bybracket 244. Frame member 246 connects the component 220 to the shaftsupport 226. The oscillatory movements of component 220 generated by theAC current applied to coil 230 causes RTV 240 to be stretched to itslimit to define the scan end positions and upon deactivation of the coil230, RTV 240 acts to restore the component 220 to its rest position.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together, also may find a useful application in other types ofconstructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in apower-saving scanning arrangement, it is not intended to be limited tothe details shown, since various modifications and structural changesmay be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the presentinvention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,readily adapt it for various applications without omitting featuresthat, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this inventionand, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to becomprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. In a scanner for reading indicia having parts of differentlight reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and bycollecting reflected light returning from the indicia, an arrangementfor scanning the indicia, comprising:(a) a scanner component; (b) holdermeans for mounting the component for angular oscillating movement infirst and second scan directions between first and second pairs of scanend positions; and (c) a read-start means for simultaneously moving thecomponent in the first and second scan directions to simultaneouslyangularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs ofscan end positions for directing light along said first and second scandirections to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over theindicia, wherein the holder means includes first and second vibratorymeans positioned to vibrate in two orthogonal planes and to cooperatefor angular oscillating movement of the component in first and secondorthogonal scan directions; the read-start means includes anelectrically-operated actuator operative, when actuated, forsimultaneously vibrating the first and second vibratory means toangularly oscillate the component in the first and second orthogonalscan directions; and the actuator includes an electromagnetic coilhaving a passage, and a magnet mounted on one of the vibratory means andmovable into and out of the passage during actuation of the coil.
 2. Thearrangement according to claim 1 wherein the first vibratory means isconfigured to vibrate at a high range of frequencies and wherein thesecond vibratory means is configured to vibrate at a low range offrequencies to thereby effect a raster-type scan pattern over theindicia in response to a driving signal applied to said coil comprisinga superposition of a first signal having a frequency within said highrange and a second signal having a frequency within said low range. 3.The arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the first vibratory meansincludes a U-shaped spring means having a pair of arms on one of whichis mounted the component.
 4. The arrangement according to claim 3,wherein the second vibratory means includes a generally planar springmeans having one end secured to one arm of the U-shaped spring means andthe other end secured to a base.
 5. The arrangement according to claim4, wherein the generally planar spring means is one of a flexible leafspring and a flexible metal foil.
 6. The arrangement according to claim3, wherein the second vibratory means includes a generally S-shaped leafspring means having a pair of outer arms and a central arm, and whereinthe holder means further includes a first generally planar spring meanssecured to a base and attached to said S-shaped leaf spring means andsaid U-shaped spring means, and a second generally planar spring meanssecured to the base and to the central arm of said S-shaped leaf springmeans.
 7. The arrangement of claim 6, wherein the generally planarspring means is one of a flexible leaf spring and a flexible metal foil.8. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the arms of theU-shaped spring means are asymmetrically dimensioned.
 9. The arrangementaccording to claim 1, wherein the component is a light reflector.
 10. Ina scanner for reading indicia having parts of different lightreflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, and by collectingreflected light returning from the indicia, an arrangement for scanningthe indicia, comprising:(a) a scanner component; (b) holder means formounting the component for angular oscillating movement in first andsecond scan directions between first and second pairs of scan endpositions; and (c) a read-start means for simultaneously moving thecomponent in the first and second scan directions to simultaneouslyangularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs ofscan end positions for directing light along said first and second scandirections to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over theindicia, wherein the holder means includes first and second vibratorymeans positioned to vibrate in two orthogonal planes and to cooperatefor angular oscillating movement of the component in first and secondorthogonal scan directions; the read-start means includes anelectrically-operated actuator operative, when actuated, forsimultaneously vibrating the first and second vibratory means toangularly oscillate the component in the first and second orthogonalscan directions; and said first and second vibrating means arepositioned to vibrate at a frequency ratio to effect a Lissajous scanpattern over the indicia.
 11. The arrangement according to claim 10,wherein the first vibratory means includes a U-shaped spring meanshaving a pair of arms on one of which is mounted the component andwherein said second vibratory means includes a generally planar springmeans having one end secured to a base and a free end secured to theother arm of the U-shaped spring means, the arms of the U-shaped springmeans vibrating in one plane and the planar spring torsionally vibratingin the other plane of the two orthogonal planes.
 12. The arrangementaccording to claim 11, wherein the arms of the U-shaped spring means areasymmetrically dimensioned.
 13. The arrangement of claim 11, wherein thegenerally planar spring means is one of a flexible leaf spring and aflexible metal foil.
 14. A method of scanning indicia having parts ofdifferent light reflectivity by directing light toward the indicia, andby collecting reflected light returning from the indicia, comprising thesteps of:(a) mounting a scanner component on a holder means for angularoscillating movement in first and second scan directions between firstand second pairs of scan end positions; and (b) simultaneously movingthe component in the first and second scan directions to simultaneouslyangularly oscillate the component between said first and second pairs ofscan end positions for directing light along said first and second scandirections to thereby effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over theindicia; wherein the step of moving the component includes vibrating thecomponent in the first scan direction at a high range of frequencies andvibrating the component in the second direction at a low range offrequencies to thereby effect a raster-type scan pattern over theindicia in response to a driving signal applied to a coil connected tothe component comprising a superposition of a first signal having afrequency within said high range and a second signal having a frequencywithin said low range.
 15. An apparatus for scanning indicia havingparts of different light reflectivity by directing light toward theindicia and collecting reflected light returning from said indicia,comprising:a scanner component; a holder for supporting the scannercomponent while enabling said component to oscillate in first and secondplanes; wherein said holder includes at least first and second springelements having (1) a common end interconnected and lying in a commonplane and (2) opposite free ends lying in respective non-parallelplanes, said scanner component being mounted to the free end of one ofsaid spring elements; and means for imparting movement to said scannercomponent to effect a two-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia. 16.The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said spring elements are leafsprings.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of saidleaf springs is U-shaped.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein saidU-shaped spring element is formed with first and second interconnectedarms of different length.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein atleast one of said leaf springs is S-shaped.
 20. The apparatus of claim19, including a base, and at least one planar spring member supportingsaid S-shaped leaf springs on said base.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein one of said leaf springs is U-shaped and the other is S-shaped.22. The apparatus of claim 21, including a base, and at least one planarspring member supporting said S-shaped leaf springs on said base. 23.The apparatus of claim 15, including a balancing mass mounted to thefree end of the other one of said spring elements.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein said movement imparting means comprises means forimparting magnetic force to said common end of said spring elements. 25.The apparatus of claim 24, wherein a magnet is mounted to said commonend of said spring elements, and said movement imparting means includesan electromagnet.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, including a base uponwhich said first and second spring elements are mounted, and includingan upright support on said base upon which said electromagnet issupported in proximity to said magnet.
 27. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein said first and second spring elements are structured andarranged to have different resonant frequencies.
 28. An apparatus forscanning indicia having parts of different light reflectivity bydirecting light toward the indicia and collecting reflected lightreturning from said indicia, comprising:a scanner component; a holderfor supporting the scanner component while enabling said component tooscillate in first and second planes; wherein said holder includes atleast first and second arcuate leaf spring elements having aninterconnected end and opposite free ends, said scanner component beingmounted to the free end of only one of said spring elements; and meansfor imparting movement to said scanner component to effect atwo-dimensional scan pattern over the indicia.
 29. The apparatus ofclaim 28, including a balancing mass mounted to the free end of theother one of said spring elements.
 30. The apparatus of claim 28,wherein at least one of said leaf springs is U-shaped.
 31. The apparatusof claim 28, wherein at least one of said leaf springs is S-shaped. 32.The apparatus of claim 31, including a base, and at least one planarspring member supporting said S-shaped leaf springs on said base. 33.The apparatus of claim 28, wherein one of said leaf springs is U-shapedand the other is S-shaped.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33, including abase, and at least one planar spring member supporting said S-shapedleaf springs on said base.
 35. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein saidmovement imparting means comprises means for imparting magnetic force tosaid common end of said spring elements.
 36. The apparatus of claim 28,wherein a magnet is mounted to said common end of said spring elements,and said movement imparting means includes an electromagnet.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 36, including a base upon which said first and secondspring elements are mounted, and including an upright support on saidbase upon which said electromagnet is supported in proximity to saidmagnet.
 38. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said first and secondspring elements are structured and arranged to have different resonantfrequencies.
 39. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said U-shaped springelement is formed with first and second interconnected arms of differentlength.